(Seattle, Wash. – February 19, 2010) Operators of small suction dredges who mine for gold in Idaho will need to apply for a general water quality discharge permit under EPA’s latest proposal to better protect the state’s rivers and streams.

If implemented as proposed, the new General Permit will cover placer mining operations in Idaho using small suction dredges with an intake nozzle of 5 inches in diameter or less and using motors or engines rated at 15 horsepower or less. It will be administered under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), the federal program that controls the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters. When issued, the new permit will require implementation of best management practices, will specify when and where suction dredgers may operate, and will establish other terms and conditions on the operation of small suction dredges.According to Jim Werntz, EPA Idaho State Director in Boise, the proposed permit is necessary to protect the health and integrity of Idaho streams and rivers, and follows up on a commitment EPA made to miners to develop this permit.

“We know Idaho’s recreational and small-scale gold miners want to do the right thing,” said EPA’s Werntz. “We believe this general permit, in addition to the State’s permitting efforts, will establish requirements to prevent damage to our rivers and streams. Smaller headwater habitats and spawning areas are especially fragile. Permitting creates clear, enforceable expectations and guidance to protect them.”

Four Informational Workshops Scheduled in February

To explain and discuss the new permit proposal, informational workshops will be held on the following locations:

Location

Address

Date/Time

Nez Perce NationalForest

104 Airport Road Grangeville, ID

February 22, 20104 pm – 7 pm

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Conference Room C

1410 N. HiltonBoise, ID

February 23, 20102 pm – 5 pm

Salmon-Challis National Forest

1206 S. Challis StreetSalmon, ID

February 24, 20104 pm - 7 pm

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

4279 Commerce CircleIdaho Falls, ID

February 25, 20103 pm – 6 pm

At the workshops, participants can get more detailed information, ask questions and learn first- hand about the permit requirements.